Pneumonia Viral Infection is an infection of the lungs most often caused by a virus or bacterium. The infection affects more precisely the pulmonary alveoli, these tiny balloon-shaped sacs at the tip of the bronchioles. It usually affects only one of the 5 lobes of the lung (3 lobes in the right lung and 2 in the left), hence the term lobar pneumonia is used. When pneumonia also reaches the bronchi, it is called bronchopneumonia.
Pneumonia, in fact, means very different infections that are life-threatening. Thus, if pneumonia appears as a complication of a serious illness or in an elderly person, it is fatal. In very rare cases, pneumonia can also be fatal in a healthy person. The disease usually manifests itself in a cough often accompanied by sputum, shortness of breath, fever, and chills. Pneumonia usually catches itself as flu or a cold, by inhaling contaminated particles. In some cases, it occurs after another respiratory infection, such as flu or bronchitis, which “degenerates” and settles in the alveoli of the lungs. Some of the symptoms may last several weeks. It is usually not contagious.
Almost all pneumonia, is caused by a virus or bacterium. When the microbe attacks the lungs, the body reacts by triggering an inflammatory reaction. The alveoli, filled with pus and inflammatory fluid, which causes difficulty breathing. The physician must distinguish between two modes of contraction of pneumonia: contraction in the hospital (nosocomial pneumonia) and contraction outside the hospital (community-acquired pneumonia).
Nosocomial pneumonia is generally more dangerous because it occurs in people impaired by another disease. At the hospital, pneumonia is often transmitted by mechanical ventilation devices (intubation) to intensive care units. The exact type of bacteria or virus responsible for pneumonia in a given patient is only known in half of the cases, partly because laboratory techniques are not performing well. For information, here are the ones that are most frequently found in people with pneumonia.
Bacterial infections usually cause typical pneumonia (see Symptoms section). Most of the time, Haemophilus influenza, Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus pneumonia (causing pneumococcal pneumonia) bacteria are responsible.
Atypical pneumonia manifests itself in symptoms that are less pronounced than typical pneumonia. For example, some people with pneumonia have no fever or chest pain. Pneumonia resembles a respiratory infection, such as bronchitis, sinusitis, or influenza (influenza). Among the bacteria that cause atypical pneumonia are Mycoplasma pneumonia (causing mycoplasma pneumonia), Chlamydia pneumonia, and Legionella pneumophila (responsible for Legionnaires’ disease).
The most frequent are influenza and parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, cold viruses (rhinoviruses), herpes-like viruses, or even SARS. The influenza virus, that is to say, the influenza virus sometimes reaches the pulmonary alveoli and thus causes viral pneumonia. Subsequently, the respiratory system is weakened by the viral infection that can open the door to a potentially more serious bacterial superinfection.
Early in 2003, a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic resulted in deaths in several countries. China, Singapore, and Canada (especially the City of Toronto) were the most affected. In total, more than 8,000 people were infected with SARS. Of these, 800 died, including 43 in Canada. The epidemic, controlled within 4 months through measures to prevent its transmission (wearing masks, quarantine, etc.). SARS caused by a highly contagious coronavirus.
The doctor evaluates the symptoms, asks about family history, and auscultate the lungs. He may administer a radiological examination of the lungs and ask for an analysis of the pulmonary secretions (expelled by coughing). If necessary, it will use other tests, such as the search for bacteria in the blood.
Pneumonia is cured most of the time in 2 weeks or a little more. However, more time is often needed before recovering completely.
Although they are rare, some serious complications are possible:
Typical symptoms include:
Some signs of severity must lead to immediate hospitalization.
Atypical pneumonia is more misleading because its symptoms are less specific. They can be manifested by headaches, digestive disorders, or joint pain. Coughing is present in 80% of cases, but in only 60% of cases in the elderly.
If the symptoms of pneumonia persist with the same intensity 3 days after the start of antibiotic treatment, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
Unleash your inner artist with our meticulously crafted Halloween Costume Bob Ross - experience the…
Learn the secrets to deep clean your house quickly and efficiently. Follow our expert guidelines…
Discover the top Cybersecurity Trends shaping remote work in 2024. Protect your business from emerging…
Explore how Generative AI industries are poised to revolutionize sectors from healthcare to finance and…
Whether you like to run to have proper training for your body or you want…
Cucumber has many health benefits and virtues. Rich in water, this vegetable provides vitamin C,…